First Nation mayor angry over ban on poll stations
Pelican Narrows Mayor Ovide Michel says it “isn't fair” to bar in-person voting on Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN).
In response to COVID-19 outbreaks in the north, PBCN has implemented extraordinary voting, in which ballots are delivered to residents as an alternative to physical polls. Members had until Tuesday at 5 p.m. to request a ballot by phone.
Michel said he should have been consulted before the decision. He wants advance polls to be open in his community by this weekend and suggested using his village office as a location.
He also worries the special voting method may depress turnout in PBCN'S communities because, he said, some residents reported quitting the request process after long waits and communication difficulties.
A PBCN notice circulated among residents encouraged them to have an interpreter in case of communication trouble.
Another option for voters is advance polls at the community hall in Creighton, about a 90-minute drive from Pelican Narrows.
PBCN Chief Peter Beatty said he and the band council noted many members were apprehensive about visiting or working in a polling station. He said the new model provides a safer alternative for voters. He said he wasn't worried about reduced turnout.
He noted the decision followed PBCN communities entering lockdown after a spike in COVID-19 cases this month.
“We had to make a decision so our band members living onreserve in lockdown could participate in the provincial election safely,” he said.
Beatty said he was unaware that Michel wanted to be included in the discussion. Time constraints following COVID-19 outbreaks required a prompt decision, which was made with the chief electoral officer and the medical health officer, he added.
He said extraordinary voting is the “safest way possible” to allow band members to participate in the election. The province never informed him that consultation with mayors was required, he said.
Other First Nations have taken different approaches to the election while mitigating risks of COVID-19 spread.
Lac La Ronge Indian Band members who are isolating may choose extraordinary voting, but the band has kept advance and election day polls open. Red Earth Cree Nation has chosen to hold its advance and Monday polls in Carrot River.
Voters head to the polls on Oct. 26.